Mindfulness Meditation Training Program

A One-Year Program for Learning to Facilitate and Guide Basic Mindfulness and Compassion Practices

The Mindfulness Meditation Training Program is a one-year, 100 hour learning experience for personal enrichment and professional development. It provides training and experience that equips participants to guide and facilitate basic mindfulness and compassion practices. Through a holistic curriculum of non-credit monthly weekend seminars and small-group formation processes, participants grow in the wisdom and knowledge needed to live an integrated life and are empowered to share the benefits of mindfulness with others.

Learn the theoretical, psychological and spiritual underpinning of mindfulness and the methodology and pedagogical skills for facilitating and guiding basic mindfulness and compassion practices

Integrate what you are learning and experiencing in meditation into your personal life through a process of reflection in guided mentor groups

Grow in wisdom as you nurture and deepen your spiritual journey

Apply knowledge, experience and skills for bringing mindfulness and compassion practices into areas of professional or personal interest

Who Should Participate?

The program is open to anyone who is personally committed to mindfulness meditation. It offers guidance, confidence and support to those interested in learning how to share the benefits of mindfulness and compassion skills with others in a formal or informal setting. It will be of special benefit to:

Develop skills to practice and guide mindfulness practices in a personal, social or professional capacity.

What is the Structure of the Program?

The basic structure of the program is ten monthly weekend sessions over one year: eight monthly seminars (Friday evening and all-day Saturday), one long weekend seminar (Friday evening until Sunday noon), and one long weekend retreat on Labor Day weekend 2019 (Friday evening to Monday noon).

Each seminar includes (1) presentations in the theory, practice and various areas of applied mindfulness; (2) experiential exercises in facilitating mindfulness practices; (3) reflective learning through discussion of assigned reading/homework; (4) mentor group guidance in a facilitated supportive learning community; and (5) skill-building sessions for learning to guide and facilitate basic mindfulness and compassion practices.

What Do I Receive Upon Completion?

Upon successful participation in at least 90 hours of the 100-hour program, you will receive a certificate of completion.

Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for some professions may be available for an additional fee.

Am I Qualified to Participate?

Applicants should have a strong interest in personal development and growth as well as a passion for learning how to use mindfulness in supporting people on their life journey.

You are eligible to apply if you have:

Completed a basic introduction to mindfulness meditation course

Sustained a regular practice of mindfulness meditation for a minimum of six months

Deep appreciation for mindfulness and a desire to share it with others

Letter of Recommendation-- Submit one letter of recommendation from a meditation or spiritual teacher who knows you. (1) Identify one individual who can provide recommendation regarding your readiness for the program. This person could be a meditation teacher, spiritual advisor, therapist or counselor. (2) Download and send the recommendation form to the person. Click here (available Sept 15) to download recommendation form. (3) Ask the person to email the completed form directly to Donna Manuel at the Earth & Spirit Center. Email to admin@earthandspiritcenter.org.

Application Deposit-- Application deposit of $100 is to be submitted with application form. If your application is not accepted, your deposit will be refunded in full. Please make $100 application deposit payment below.

Personal Interview-- Participate in an interview either in person or by phone after your application form has been processed.

The application process opens September 15, 2018. Space is limited and the application process will conclude whenever the course is full.

Application process time line:

Make application (includes completion of Application Form, Letter of Recommendation, and Application Deposit)

Applicant will receive an email message confirming receipt of application.

Applicant will be contacted to schedule an interview time either in person or by phone.

Applicant will received notification of status of application (acceptance into the program) within seven days after personal interview.

Accepted students have seven days to confirm enrollment and make tuition payment. Accepted students can make full payment upon acceptance into the program or arrange for a payment plan. (See “What is the Cost?” section below for information on the payment plan.)

Discernment

The Mindfulness Meditation Training Program offers potential for positive personal and professional growth. It requires a significant commitment of time and energy to participate in the monthly seminars which can challenge the status quo of your own psyche, spirituality, worldview, and relationships with others. Full benefit of the program also entails daily meditation time and homework reading preparation for each monthly session.

Before applying, please take the following steps.

Discuss the Mindfulness Meditation Training Program structure and purpose with your partner, a spiritual director, therapist, or someone who can help you reflect on your interest, ability and intentions for applying.

Do you value meditation and have a commitment to a regular personal meditation practice?

Do you have the time and energy to commit to attendance at the monthly weekend sessions and significant homework readings? The program involves 100 contact hours in monthly weekend sessions and approximately 3-8 hours of homework preparation for each monthly session.

Do you bring an open mind and heart to the program?

Are you willing to grapple with new complex concepts and ideas?

Are you open to pursuing the meditative wisdom -- insights, theories and practices -- from various religious and faith perspectives that may transcend your current beliefs?

Are you willing to contribute to building a supportive, compassionate and cooperative learning community with your fellow students?

Are you able to step outside your comfort zone to learn new skills in facilitating and guiding meditation and compassion practices?

Do you yearn to share the benefits of mindfulness meditation with others?

Are you committed to working for positive change in our world?

If you are married or in a committed intimate relationship, it is important that your partner is part of this discernment as well.

If you have any hesitation or questions about applying, please contact us at 502.452.2749 or email info@earthandspiritcenter.org (put “MMTP request” in subject line).

What Is the Cost?

Tuition fee is $1950, inclusive of a $100 application deposit.

Applications received by November 15, 2018, receive a free $100 gift certificate toward any other Earth & Spirit Center program.

A payment plan is also available if tuition is not paid in full at time of registration. It consists of a $100 application deposit and three payments of $650 due (1) upon acceptance into the program (2) February 1, 2019, and (3) April 1, 2019.

Cancellations received before February 1, 2019 -- 90% of payment is refundable, less application fee. Cancellations received before March 1, 2019 -- 80% of payment is refundable, less application fee. No refunds after March 1, 2019.

Additional costs include overnight accommodations and meals during the long retreat. Estimated cost for three nights and nine meals is $250-$350, depending upon double or single room overnight accommodation options.

CEUs for certain professions may be available at an additional cost.

Financial assistance is available to those who demonstrate financial need. Some partial scholarships requiring volunteer service are available through an application process. Contact info@earthandspiritcenter.org to request a “Scholarship Application Form.”

Who are the faculty?

The core faculty includes some of the leading teachers in the fields of mindfulness and compassion meditation in the Louisville area: Dr. Pamela Cotton, Glenda Hodges-Cook, Kathleen Kaelin, OSU, Fr. Joe Mitchell, and Dr. Chris Schrodt, MD. Faculty biographies are available on the faculty page at the Earth & Spirit Center website.

The faculty includes guest teachers from around the country who will teach via live interactive video conference sessions.

All weekend seminars will take place at the Earth & Spirit Center barn located at 1924 Newburg Road in Louisville, KY.

The weekend retreat (August 30 to September 2, 2019) will take place at St. Meinrad Archabbey Guest House and Retreat Center located in St. Meinrad, Indiana, approximately 70 miles west of Louisville off I-64. It’s approximately a 1 hour and 20 minute drive from downtown Louisville.

FAQ -- Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is this an academic program? Will I get grades?

Program participation requires serious engagement in course content, ample reading, group process and a commitment to regular meditation practice and serving others. You do not earn academic credit or receive letter grades. A certificate of completion is awarded upon successful completion of 90 hours the 100-hour program modules and components.

Q: Is this a teacher training program?

The program is not designed to train people to teach comprehensive meditation courses in classrooms, workshops, seminars or other academic or retreat context. It takes years of training and personal practice to gain competence in actually teaching meditation. This program has a more modest goal of guiding students to a deeper personal engagement with the theory and basic practices of meditation as well as developing the practical skills to facilitate or guide particular meditation practices in a personal or professional setting.

Q: Is this training program suitable for everyone?

Intensive training and extended meditation practice can be remarkably beneficial on many levels. But intensive meditation practice and training can also bring up strong emotions. If you are in the midst of processing very strong emotions related to trauma or feeling overwhelmed with life circumstances, this may not be the most appropriate program for you. If you have any questions, you are welcome to contact the Earth & Spirit Center and someone will be available to discuss this with you.

Q: Are there any pre-requisites?

Completion of a basic introduction to mindfulness meditation course

Sustained regular practice of mindfulness meditation for a minimum of six months

Deep appreciation for mindfulness and a desire to share it with others

Q: Is there any financial assistance available?

Assistance is available to those who demonstrate financial need. Some partial scholarships requiring volunteer service are available through an application process. Contact info@earthandspiritcenter.org to request a “Scholarship Application Form.”

Q: How much work and time is required for the program?

Participation in the Mindfulness Meditation Training Program includes 100 contact hours in seminars and retreats, homework reading and seminar preparation time, and daily meditation practice time.

Q: I know I’ll have to miss a weekend seminar or module parts of a weekend. Can I still enroll?

The Mindfulness Meditation Training Programis offered for personal growth and professional development. Many people find it difficult to attend every session and yet still benefit from the program. No attendance is taken.

Attending at least 90 hours of the 100 hour program is required to receive a certificate of completion.

Some sessions may be recorded and subsequently available to those who cannot attend.